//
Census-designated place in Virginia
Photo: Ser Amantio di Nicolao, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Sterling is in Loudoun County, Virginia, about 26 miles (42 km) west of Washington, D.C.. The population is approximately 41,000 people (2021).
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Located near Dulles International Airport in the city of Chantilly, this companion facility of the National Air and Space Museum houses air and spacecraft including an SR-71 "Blackbird" spy plane, a Concorde supersonic jet, and the space shuttle "Enterprise". It was also used as a filming location for Michael Bay's Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
Theater.
Miniature golf, swimming pool complex, golf, cottage rentals, soccer fields, and more on Potomac River waterfront.
American Irish pub.
Delicious food. Call for reservations.
American cuisine and a variety of savory dishes, and after-dinner drinks at the bar.
An all-suites hotel, with full kitchens including stoves and refrigerators, located just north of Dulles International Airport (IAD). Complimentary Services include guest laundry, 24-hour gym access, weekday local-area shuttle service, and High Speed Internet Access. Walking distance to shopping, restaurants, and businesses.
Offers free airport/local shuttle, wired/wireless high-speed Internet, HDTVs, in room safes.
In the Dulles 28 Centre complex, with over 30 specialty shops and restaurants.
A temporary housing hotel near Dulles Airport.
On the Dulles International Airport property, it offers free airport shuttle service.
DoubleTree Dulles
It's 10 minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and offers a 24-hour, free airport shuttle service, indoor heated pool and hot tub, the Dogwood Bistro & Bar onsite and 24-hour fitness center. Near Dulles Town Center shopping mall, Dulles Sportsplex and Dulles Golf Center.
By plane
Private planes can land at Leesburg Executive Airport (JYO), 15 mi north-west of Sterling. Full service is available; runway length is .
By Metro
The Silver Line passes through Sterling. Use Loudoun Gateway or one of the other Silver Line stations.
By bus
Some commuter buses exist from other parts of Northern Virginia, as well as DC and Maryland.
A car is by far the most practical way to get around Sterling (and most of Northern Virginia).
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Dulles · International · IAD
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Sterling (Virginia) and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.